South African youth-led movement expands access to STEM and entrepreneurship opportunities

 
By our Correspondence, South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — As South Africa marks Youth Month and reflects on the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, a growing youth-led organization is expanding efforts to connect young people with education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and science and technology opportunities.

Dream Big Stay Humble (DBSH), founded by social entrepreneur Khayelihle Nkabinde while he was still in Grade 12, has evolved from a personal initiative into a broader youth development movement operating across communities in South Africa. 

The organization focuses on mentorship, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

According to the organization, its mission is to address one of South Africa’s most persistent issues, the gap between talent and access to opportunity. 

DBSH says it works to connect young people with mentors, professionals, and industry leaders while helping them develop skills needed to participate in a rapidly changing economy.

Nkabinde, the organization’s founder and chief executive, has been recognized as one of South Africa’s emerging young leaders, including being named to the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans and the 100 Young Nelson Mandelas in 2023.

 His work has focused on youth development, innovation, and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems.

DBSH traces its philosophy to values of community service, leadership, and humility. The organization operates under the principle, “Dream Big. Stay Humble. Change the World,” encouraging young people to pursue ambitious goals while remaining committed to serving their communities.

The organization's programmes are designed to tackle different aspects of youth empowerment. Through its Touch of a Dream initiative, DBSH provides outreach and mentorship activities to inspire learners and reinforce confidence in their potential. 

Its Women in STEM  programme seeks to increase the participation of young women in science and technology fields through workshops, summits, mentorship, and industry exposure. Meanwhile, the Dreamers Entrepreneur programme supports aspiring entrepreneurs through business skills training, mentorship, and professional networks.

Beyond individual programmes, DBSH argues that investment in youth should be viewed as a long-term development strategy rather than a charitable undertaking. 

The organisation says access to mentorship, skills development, and professional exposure is becoming increasingly important as technological change reshapes labour markets and economic opportunities.

Dream Big Stay Humble has impacted more than 2,000 young people across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng through school-based programmes, leadership summits, workshops, and technology-focused initiatives. 

Its flagship projects include Dream Women in STEM and the Dream Big Tech Hub, which connect young people with skills development opportunities and career guidance.

As South Africa continues to confront high youth unemployment and growing demands for inclusive economic participation, organizations such as DBSH are positioning themselves as bridges between ambition and opportunity. 

Their growth reflects a wider recognition that expanding access to education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support may play a critical role in shaping the next generation of African innovators, business leaders, and problem-solvers.